Overview & Reviews
Introduced in the early 1990s, the Hyundai Elantra didn't exactly get off to a good start, earning a well-deserved reputation for overall shoddiness and unreliability. But more than two decades later, the Elantra has become one of America's most popular small sedans. Take one for a spin and you'll likely be impressed with its smooth ride, roomy interior, high fuel economy and solid build quality. The Elantra also offers plenty of features for the money and long warranty coverage. While those long-ago Elantras are best forgotten, any new or used Elantra (that you'll realistically come across) is an excellent choice for a small car shopper.
Current Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra sedan is offered three trims: SE, Limited and Sport. A coupe and Elantra GT four-door hatchback are also available and reviewed separately.
Standard SE feature highlights include alloy wheels, full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and USB/iPod interface. An option package provides 16-inch (versus 15-inch) wheels, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, voice controls, a rearview camera and heated front seats. The Limited comes with all that as well as 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, heated rear seats and Blue Link telematics. The Sport includes the Limited's features minus the heated rear seats and Blue Link and adds a more powerful engine, a sunroof, a sport-tuned suspension and keyless ignition and entry. The Limited can be had with a larger 7-inch touchscreen display, dual-zone automatic climate control and a navigation system.
The SE and Limited trims are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 145 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the SE, while a six-speed automatic is optional. The Limited comes only with the automatic. The Elantra Sport has a 2.0-liter four that makes 173 hp. With the Sport, the manual transmission is standard, while the automatic is optional.
Slide inside the Elantra and you'll find a cabin that matches or betters most others in it class. A stylized center stack and controls lend some flair to the cabin, and the materials, while not best-in-class, offer a rich look. Ample headroom and a smaller-diameter steering wheel contribute to the interior's spaciousness.
On the road, the 1.8-liter engine has decent punch and the automatic transmission provides smooth, well-timed shifts. This volume-selling powertrain should be fine for the majority of drivers. The added punch provided by the Sport's bigger engine should be appreciated by those willing to sacrifice a few mpg in favor of some added oomph. A compliant ride and a quiet cabin make the Elantra a comfortable choice for daily driver and road trip duty alike. The only significant downside to this Elantra is a lack of rear headroom compared to what's available from some other top small sedans.
Used Hyundai Elantra Models
The current Hyundai Elantra represents the fifth generation, which was introduced for the 2011 model year. Apart from lacking some slight styling tweaks, upgraded touchscreen displays, added sound insulation and the Sport trim level, these Elantras are otherwise identical to the current version.
 The fourth-generation Elantra ran from 2007-'10. Having established the Elantra as a legitimate contender in the compact segment with its previous-generation car, Hyundai updated the Elantra's styling, improved its handling and ride quality, and revamped the interior to near-premium levels.
Two main trim levels were available: GLS and SE. The GLS came reasonably well equipped, though it lacked stability and traction control. Those came standard on the SE after 2007. The SE also had more features and a sport-tuned suspension. In your used-car search, you might also encounter the top-line Elantra Limited ('07 only) and the Elantra Blue, which was an entry-level model offered for 2010 only.
Fourth-generation Elantras came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 138 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque. The transmission was either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Cars sold in California-emissions states could have cleaner tailpipe emissions (PZEV) but were rated for 132 hp.
Changes were minimal for this car. For 2009, the Elantra received enhanced suspension and steering tuning, along with new interior instrument and radio displays. A USB/iPod audio jack also became available. But in general, we were very impressed by this car and praised its roomy and comfortable interior, agreeable ride quality and value for the dollar.
The third-generation Elantra was produced from model years 2001-'06 and represented a considerable step up from the earlier cars. The sedan was bigger inside and out, and revised sheet metal gave it a more upscale look. Reliability and overall quality were also much improved. The standard features list was generous for the car's price, and included amenities like air-conditioning, full power accessories, side airbags, 15-inch wheels and an AM/FM cassette player. The 2.0-liter engine generated 135 hp (138 after 2003) and was mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic.
An Elantra hatchback, the Elantra GT, was also offered starting in 2002 and came with additional standard features, including leather seats and a CD player. Initially, the sedan was available only in base GLS trim, but by 2003, Elantra sedans could be purchased in two trims -- GLS and the top-of-the-line GT. Although it still lacked the refinement of segment leaders like the Honda Civic, the third-generation Hyundai Elantra shone as a solid choice for buyers seeking maximum value for their money.
One would probably do best by avoiding the second-generation Elantra – built from model years 1996-2000 -- though it did at least take a turn for the better from the forgettable original. The car got a welcome boost in power with the addition of a new engine, a 1.8-liter four-cylinder capable of 130 hp and 122 lb-ft of torque. Airbags were added to the safety features list, and a wagon body style was also offered. The Elantra's engine was upgraded yet again in model year 1999, to a larger 2.0-liter. Overall, the second-gen Elantra represented a decent buy in the economy car segment. It wasn't as polished as the offerings from Honda, Nissan or Toyota, but it was well-equipped and fun to drive.
The first-generation Elantra was produced from model years 1992-'95; during this period, Hyundai's hauler was available as a sedan only. Sadly, the car's build quality and reliability reflected its bargain-basement price. Elantras from this era were notorious for being sloppy in most of the areas that matter. They were none too quick either, as all models were motivated by a 1.6-liter inline-4 good for 113 hp and 102 lb-ft of torque.
User Reviews:
Showing 1781 through 1790 of 2,696.00-
Great car for your money - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By Jordan Wallace - July 14 - 10:00 amI have had this car a little over three months and love it. I travel back and forth across Washington State quite often. A 600 mile trip. This car has no problems. Plenty of passing power and can easily keep a speed of 80 mph. The cars ride is softer than many other cars I have been it. Not to mention the bang for the buck you get with this car cannot be found in any other car. The car is a great car for a first car or just someone that wants to drive and have fun doing it everyday. Great communter car too. I highly recommend this Hyundai to anyone considering a Focus, Civic, or Corolla. The warranty CANNOT be beat! And it is just as good a car.
-
humming car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By ollie - July 14 - 10:00 amIt hums when I drive past 60mph,I own the car for just 3 days will take back to dealer Its a brand new car
-
I found a good thing in a small package - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By JennyGee - July 14 - 10:00 amIt goes, it stops and it gets you there in a nice looking package. It does all the things a car should do. if you are looking at all cars, then, it isnt the fastest and it doesnt get the best gas mileage and it isnt the prettiest. BUT,if you are looking for the best stuff, for the price, it is by far the fastest, best gas mileage and prettiest car around. This little Hyundai does it all well.
-
I love my baby!!!!! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By Borednlazyncrazy - July 14 - 10:00 amThe 2003 Hyundai Elantra GLS is a great buy. I upgraded from the 2000 Hyundai Accent GL to this car. For $14,500 I have auto, a/c, cd player, power everything, keyless entry, cruise control, and a moonroof. It would of cost me a lot more if I would of gotten a Toyota or Honda. I love driving it with the speakers blaring and my moonroof down - its an amazing driving experience. The 10 year warranty is a great piece of mind. This is the kind of car I want to keep for a long time. Just to tell you how much my family loves Hyundai - we all have one! My mother drives a 2003 Santa Fe and my stepfather drives a 2003 Sonata!!
-
Excellent value! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By bearcat - July 9 - 10:55 pmI got this car for ~$10000, and I cannot believe the features I have got for that price! Ive got AC, power everything, excellent ride quality, great warranty. Never had a problem since I bought it, no adjustments no hassles at all. However I have been told that there is a recall for some airbag issue. I have not found another car with the same features and reliability at this price.
-
Luv it - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By Ize - July 8 - 10:00 amI enjoy driving this car. The space is also good, looks, mpg, features. And most of all it was priced very well for all you get.
-
The Newest Car I Ever Owned - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By T. S. - July 6 - 1:31 amI just recently bought my 2004 Elantra and it had 25,000 miles on it. It runs like it was brand new. I love this car inside and out. It comfortable, starts right up and it a smooth drive. This is the newest car I ever owned. I used a 92 Talon as a trade in. I miss the Turbo, but love the reliability of this car so much more. I would recommend the Elantra to anyone looking at one.
-
Love it - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
By Stephanie - July 3 - 10:16 amI traded in my 04 Civic for this car last week and so far Im loving it. The Hyundai has a lot more features for the same price as the Civic, and its better looking and more fun to drive. I also read that Hyundai is rated second only to Lexus for customer satisfaction. Although Honda is known as a very reliable car, I think Hyundai is just as good and pays more attention to the little details that make you love your car.
-
"Honey" the Hyundai - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
By Dave Huffman - July 2 - 12:48 pmI bought my 2001 Elantra on an impulse while out looking to replace my gas guzzling Cadillac. It caught my eye on the lot and I wanted to drive it but didnt think it would be in my price range. I test drove it and noticed it only had 45,000 miles on it & it felt tight like a new car. The seats were and remain firm yet comfortable and it had surprisingly strong acceleration. Ive had it for 2 years now, and had 2 probs. One was a sensor that was fixed under warranty. The other was a wheel/hub bearing that cost $400.00 to fix. Other than that it has been great! Now when I look at or test drive other cars and get back into the Elantra I find myself asking why I am looking at other cars.
-
honest review - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
By danny - June 29 - 4:11 pmIve had my elantra for 4 years now. Ive had few problems. I do have all the scheduled maintenance done by the dealership though. The braking is not as good as I would like it to be. Also the car depreciated much faster and more dramatically than I expected.Ive had problems with the power windows and mirrors too. By far though...for the money... this has been an excellent car. I get a lot of positive feedback as the car performs like similar cars in its class. It has a nice ride. Ive had problems with the power locks. At times it is easy to tell that the car was made on the cheap. My recomendation would be to buy one that is a year old , as they depreciate unbelievably the first year.
